Houston Texans’ slot wide receiver and special teams returner DeAndre Carter put away any doubt that he was competing for a roster spot after his injury.
Houston Texans backup wide receiver DeAndre Carter proved his value once again as held down his own in the slot similarly to last season when Keke Coutee was out due to injury. Carter looked more comfortable in his second season in the Texans offense and finished with three receptions for 40 receiving yards.
He could see more playing time as Coutee works his way back to health after suffering an ankle injury in the first preseason game against the Green Bay Packers. Texans will be in no rush to push Coutee back onto the football field until he is ready to return to his role in the offense.
Carter’s contribution on offense is a plus as he is clearly the best returner on punting and kicking situations on the special teams unit. It was evident that the Texans struggled mightily to find a reliable returner in their first preseason game against the Packers. Coutee struggled with a muffed punt that was recovered in the end zone by the Packers for six points.
If there is one area that Carter excels in his game from other skill players on the roster; is his ability to create positive plays as a returner on special teams. Carter had 16 punt returns for 146 return yards, and an average of 9.1 yards through seven games with the Texans in 2018.
His performance as a punt returner ranked him tenth in the league and will likely secure him a roster spot for the Texans this upcoming season.